Let's talk gardening jujitsu with Burpee & #GardenChat on MyFixitUpLife

Gardening jujitsu is about little things we can do that really make big differences to improve our homes (and our world). So let's do it in the dirt.

While a gardening death match might sound interesting, gardening jujitsu is using the simple and awesome power of plants to make your home, your family, and your world more comfortable.

Plants can take care of our well-being, nourish our bodies, and they can help keep you warm in winter. Plus knowing more about plants can help combat the growing problem about bees.

Quick example of gardening jujitsu: The baking, end-of-day sun can practically melt asphalt. And in most houses that means the HVAC---you know, the cool air we all pay for---is working overtime. Ease the load with some smart, simple shade plants that will protect your house and make it look even better, too.

Our guests this week are Venelin Dimitrov from Burpee and GardenChat host Bren Haas.

Mark and Theresa started learning about the coolness that is gardening jujitsu with plant expert Venelin Dimitrov from Burpee during a tour of one of the company's gardens. We're psyched to learn more about how-to we can do at our home.

Host of the popular weekly Twitter chat #GardenChat, Bren started sharing her garden know-how about a dozen years ago when she moved to 18 acres out in the country. Bren now co-hosts the weekly Garden Chatter Google Hangout weekly, and is the community manager for the Ask&Share on HGTVgardens.